Buxton Inn
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The Buxton Inn is a rural hotel located in Granville, Ohio on the main street at 313 E. Broadway. It was built in 1812 by Orrin Granger, making it one of Ohio's oldest inns.[1] The Buxton Inn currently has 25 lodging rooms that are spread across the 5 houses that make up the inn.[2] It has seen many notable guests pass through including a couple of presidents.[1] The Buxton Inn is also infamous for its reports of paranormal activity in the hotel from the workers and guests who have stayed there.[3]
Description
[edit]The Buxton Inn consists of five houses and a courtyard that is placed in between the wings of the main house.[2]
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The two-story main building shaped like an L is painted red with white columns that line the two-story front porch.[1] A paved path leads to the porch with a single black door to enter.[1] The main house is where guests check-in, it has four rooms, and it is where the bar/restaurant is located.[2] The floor in the main house is slightly uneven due to wear and tear throughouts its 200-year existence.[1] The main level floor has multiple different living rooms with pictures of the inn throughout the decades on the walls.[2] The basement has a secret tunnel that was used in the underground railroad and is called "The Tavern" since it also serves as a dining experience.[2]
The other four houses contain only guest rooms and are not connected to each other.[2]
History
[edit]The Buxton Inn was built in 1812 by Orrin Granger under the name "The Tavern."[4] It served not only as a place to lodge but also as a post office in Granville.[4] During the Underground Railroad, it served as a hidden shelter for escaped slaves as well.[3] James W. Dilley became the owner of the inn in 1858, renaming it The Dilley House.[4] Its name was changed to the Buxton Inn in 1865 when Major Horton Buxton acquired ownership. [3] When Buxton died in 1934, Ethel Bonnie, an opera singer, succeeded him.[5] She was known to reside in Room 9 with her cat, Major Buxton, until she died in 1960.[4] Nell Schoeller who had previously supported Bonnie became the next owner of the inn.[3] However, due to operational challenges, local preservationists Orville and Audrey Orr took over the Buxton Inn in 1972, refurbishing and renewing it.[3] In the same year, on December 26, the Buxton Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places.[6]
During their time operating the Buxton Inn, the Orrs successfully restored its reputation by expanding the business from its original three guest rooms to a 20-room inn, with a restaurant, bar, and wine storage.[7] The preservationists owned the property for 42 years until 2014 when Robert Schilling and his two daughters purchased the inn.[8][9] Restoration continued under the new ownership, with improvements to both the interior and exterior while preserving its antiqueness.[8] The lobby was enlarged and opened up, and the lighting and restrooms were upgraded under the new innkeepers.[8]
In October 2022, the Buxton Inn suffered significant damage from a kitchen fire caused by an electrical issue.[10] Although no lives were lost, the damages were severe. The broken doors, soot damage, and ceiling harm from firefighting efforts forced the inn to close for several months to undergo repairs.[11] Following the months-long closure, the inn underwent extensive renovations, updating several guest rooms and 14 bathrooms. They added new furniture to both the rooms, restaurant and thoroughly refreshed the walls.[11] It was closed for about five months until the Buxton Inn partially reopened its bar in March 2023 to ensure the longevity of the Buxton Inn.[12] About a year later, in April 2024, it opened its guest rooms while keeping the kitchen and restaurant closed. In 2024, the Buxton Inn was put up for sale because McKivergin, who is a member of the ownership group, said "They did the right thing by taking the inn to the next level."[4][13][14]
Paranormal activity
[edit]The Buxton Inn is said to be haunted by numerous staff members, owners, and guests[3]. These spirits have been seen by housekeepers and guests and are said to roam the halls and visit the rooms[3]. The ghosts are reported to be Ethel “Boonie” Bounell, who died in room 9 at the inn and was an owner in 1934, her cat Major Buxton, and Major Horton Buxton[3]. The otherworldly encounters are of these spirits being seen walking throughout the halls, messing with the lights, or talking to the staff/guests.[3]
Famous guests
[edit]Buxton Inn has a rich history of hosting many notable guests, including U.S. presidents such as William H. Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and William McKinley.[4] Notably, William H. Harrison was a friend of Orrin Garner.[15] It has also welcomed celebrities like actresses Jennifer Garner, Dixie Carter, and Cameron Diaz, along with author Harriet Beecher Stowe, who is renowned for writing Uncle Tom's Cabin, and celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma.[4]
Reference
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "National Archives NextGen Catalog". catalog.archives.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ a b c d e f "Rooms & Suites". Buxton Inn. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "The history of The Buxton Inn: Is it really haunted?". The Denisonian. 2019-10-30. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g Miller, Alan (September 17, 2024). "The Buxton Inn, a landmark and historic gem in downtown Granville, is for sale". The Reporting Project - Covering Licking County, Ohio. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Ammeson, Jane (July 28, 2024). "Step back through history in Granville, Ohio". nwitimes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form for the Buxton Inn"(December 26, 1972). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service. NAID 71989720. Retrieved from the National Archives Catalogue, October 29, 2024.
- ^ Malone, JD. "Granville's Buxton Inn changes hands". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ a b c McDonald, Craig. "Granville's historic Buxton Inn earns preservation/renovation award". The Advocate. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Dispatch, JD Malone, The Columbus. "Buxton Inn benefits from million-dollar makeover". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Jump, Abby (2024-04-11). "Buxton Inn Tavern reopens after fire and renovations; Restaurant to remain closed". The Reporting Project - Covering Licking County, Ohio. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ a b Donaldson, Sarah (Mar 31, 2023). "Buxton Inn in Granville plans reopening after monthslong closure caused by kitchen fire". NBC4. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ DeVito, Maria. "Buxton Inn reopening to guests April 1, kitchen rebuild starting this spring". The Advocate. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Wiley, Chelsea (2024-09-16). "This 212-Year-Old Inn Has Survived Fires and Hosted Presidents—And Now It's for Sale". Columbus Navigator. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Miller, Alan. "The Buxton Inn, a landmark and historic gem in downtown Granville, other sites up for sale". The Advocate. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "The history of The Buxton Inn: Is it really haunted? - The Denisonian". 2019-10-30. Retrieved 2024-11-05.